What to eat in Athens: 12 must-try local delights

Welcome to this essential guide to Greek gastronomy. Athens is celebrated not only for its ancient history and iconic landmarks but also for its vibrant culinary scene that beckons food lovers. Wondering, "What food is Athens known for?" This guide will lead you to the best local dishes to try firsthand, offering a delicious way to explore the city.

Whether you're a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler, Athens has something to satisfy every palate. From savoring the comforting layers of moussaka to indulging in the sweet crunch of bougatsa, each dish tells a story of Greece’s rich cultural heritage. Fuel yourself for one of Athen's top nighttime activities with souvlaki skewers from a bustling street stand or sip on traditional Greek coffee in an age-old kafeneio.

1. Relish the divine flavors of moussaka

Moussaka is a traditional Greek dish layered with eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel sauce. Every bite is an explosion of delightful tastes, and its rich, creamy texture melts in the mouth.

How to eat the best moussaka in Athens?

What better way to experience the must eat food that is Moussaka than by learning to make it at a Greek cooking class?

2. Experience the tang of tzatziki

Tzatziki is a classic Greek appetizer from strained yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, and fresh herbs. It's cool and refreshing, perfect for a hot day in Athens.

How to enjoy the best tzatziki in Athens?

Get the most authentic experience possible on a street food-tasting tour. Pair tzatziki with freshly baked pita bread at local eateries for an authentic taste.

3. Savor the robust flavors of souvlaki

Souvlaki is a popular Greek fast food to eat consisting of small pieces of meat grilled on a skewer. It's often served in a pita wrap with vegetables, sauces, and sometimes fries.

How to eat the best souvlaki in Athens?

Visit Psyri, a lively neighborhood known for its authentic souvlaki stands and grill houses. Grab souvlaki from a busy street vendor or a traditional grill house for a true local experience.

4. Delight in the sweet sensation of baklava

Baklava is a sweet pastry made of layers of filo filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey. This popular food is the perfect way to end a meal. You can also have it as a treat at any time of day.

How to taste the best baklava in Athens?

Some foods are best enjoyed after dark. Visit the family-run bakeries of Koukaki district, where traditional recipes have been passed down for generations.

5. Embrace the comfort of spanakopita

Spanakopita is a savory Greek pie filled with spinach, feta cheese, onions, and seasonings. The flaky filo pastry encases the warm, flavorful filling, creating a satisfying contrast of textures.

How to enjoy the best spanakopita in Athens?

Stop by local bakeries in the Exarchia neighborhood for freshly baked spanakopita.

6. Enjoy a classic Greek salad

With fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, feta cheese, and olives drizzled with olive oil, Greek salad is a refreshing side dish or a light meal. The tangy feta and olives perfectly balance the freshness of the vegetables.

How to enjoy the best Greek salad in Athens?

Enjoy a Greek salad at tavernas in the Anafiotika area, known for their fresh, local produce.

7. Sip on traditional Greek coffee

Greek coffee is a strong brew served with the grounds in the cup. Often enjoyed slowly alongside a sweet treat, it's a unique part of the Greek culinary experience.

How to drink the best Greek coffee in Athens?

Relax at a traditional kafeneio in the Thiseo neighborhood for an authentic coffee experience.

8. Enjoy delicate loukoumades

Loukoumades are small, golden puffs of fried dough, typically drizzled with sweet syrup and sprinkled with cinnamon. These light, airy treats are Greek's answer to donuts and are simply irresistible.

How to taste the best loukoumades in Athens?

Indulge in loukoumades from specialty dessert shops in the Monastiraki district.

9. Savor the richness of fava

Fava is a traditional Greek dish made from yellow split peas, often served with fresh onions, olive oil, and lemon. It's incredibly hearty and packed full of flavors.

How to enjoy the best fava in Athens?

As mentioned earlier, one of the best ways to experience Athens's famous food offerings is by learning to make it. Get the full Greek sensation with a Greek cooking class!

10. Relish stuffed vine leaves: dolmades

Dolmades are stuffed vine leaves, often filled with rice and herbs, and sometimes minced meat. They are bite-sized but packed with flavor and embody the essence of Greek cuisine.

How to eat the best dolmades in Athens?

Visit local tavernas and restaurants to try dolmades — they're often served as an appetizer or side dish. Head out on a local food tour to make the most of the trip.

11. Dive into the deep-sea delicacy of octopus

Octopus, whether grilled, stewed, or served in a salad, is a Greek island specialty that's also popular in Athens. The taste is unique, and the texture is surprisingly tender if cooked correctly.

How to enjoy the best octopus in Athens?

Dine at seaside tavernas in the Mikrolimano area for freshly grilled octopus.

12. Satisfy hunger with gyros

Gyros are a popular food in Athens, consisting of meat (usually pork or chicken) roasted on a vertical spit and served in a pita with tzatziki, tomatoes, and onions.

How to eat the best gyros in Athens?

Experience the taste sensation of gyros as part of an Athens: Grab a gyro from popular street food spots in the Omonia neighborhood for a satisfying meal.

FAQs

What is popular food in Athens?

Athens offers a rich culinary scene with must-try dishes. Souvlaki skewers provide a classic street food experience, while gyros are another beloved choice. Dolmades, or stuffed grape leaves, are a traditional treat, and no visit is complete without a fresh Greek salad. Tzatziki sauce adds a flavorful touch to many meals. For a comforting option, try fasolada, a hearty bean soup. Start your day with koulouri, a popular Athenian breakfast bread, and don't miss spanakopita, a delicious spinach and feta pastry.

What is the national dish of Athens, Greece?

Fasolada, a traditional bean soup, and moussaka are often considered Greece's national dishes. Fasolada is a hearty soup made with beans, tomatoes, and vegetables. Moussaka, a beloved classic, features layers of eggplant, meat sauce, and a creamy béchamel topping, with its modern version influenced by French cuisine.

What is a typical breakfast in Athens, Greece?

Breakfast in Athens often includes a koulouri, a sesame-covered bread ring, or a slice of bougatsa, a custard or cheese-filled pastry. Cheese pies are also popular, as is tsoureki, a sweet bread. These options make for a quick yet satisfying start to the day.

What type of food is served in Athens?

Athens offers a diverse range of traditional Greek dishes. You can enjoy succulent lamb chops, grilled octopus, and refreshing Greek salads. Souvlaki, a popular street food, is a must-try, along with creamy tzatziki. For something different, try fried zucchini or horta, a dish made with wild greens. Don't miss the classic moussaka, a hearty layered casserole.

What is traditional Greek food?

Greek cuisine is rooted in Mediterranean traditions, emphasizing wheat, olive oil, and wine. Typical dishes include a variety of vegetables, grains, and proteins such as fish, pork, poultry, veal, beef, lamb, rabbit, and goat. These ingredients are often combined in flavorful dishes that highlight the rich flavors of the region.

Are there any unique culinary experiences to try in Athens?

In Athens, you can explore unique culinary experiences such as dining in a traditional taverna with live music, participating in a cooking class to learn how to make classic Greek dishes, or visiting a local market tour to sample fresh produce and artisanal products. These experiences offer an authentic taste of Athenian culture and cuisine, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local food scene.

What desserts should I try when visiting Athens?

When in Athens, be sure to try traditional Greek desserts like baklava, a sweet pastry made of layers of filo filled with nuts and honey. Other popular options include loukoumades, which are small, deep-fried dough balls drizzled with honey and cinnamon, and galaktoboureko, a custard-filled pastry. These desserts offer a delightful end to any meal and a taste of Greek culinary tradition.